Homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO. Facing a homicide charge in St. Louis County, MO is probably one of the most critical legal challenges anyone can endure. These accusations carry harsh punishments, including extended jail time or even the possibility of the death penalty. If you’ve been charged with homicide in St. Louis County, MO or anywhere in Missouri, speaking with an experienced homicide lawyer right away is essential.
Don’t hesitate to call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. Discuss your case in detail with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our firm has handled more than 10,000 cases like yours with proven results.
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Homicide Charges in St. Louis County, MO and Across Missouri
Homicide charges can differ based on the intent and situation surrounding the killing. It’s essential to grasp the various types of homicide charges that may be relevant:
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder in St. Louis County, MO involves a planned and intentional killing. This charge is classified as a class A felony, typically resulting in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the specifics of the case.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder refers to an intentional killing that lacks premeditation. Also categorized as a class A felony, this crime can lead to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, or potentially life. Unlike first-degree murder, those convicted may be eligible for parole after serving at least 85 percent of their sentence.
Manslaughter:
Manslaughter refers to the unlawful killing of another individual without the intent to kill. It can be either voluntary – in the heat of passion – or involuntary – due to reckless or negligent behavior. Manslaughter is a class B or class C felony.
Vehicular Manslaughter
This charge involves causing the death of another through reckless or negligent driving. The charges can vary from a misdemeanor to a felony, with penalties depending on whether drugs, alcohol, or extreme recklessness were factors.
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What Do I Do If I’m Accused Of Homicide in St. Louis County, MO?
Homicide is a manner of death, when one individual causes the death of another. Not all homicide is murder though, as some deaths caused by another individual are manslaughter, and some are lawful – like when justified by an affirmative defense, such as insanity or self-defense.
If you are facing homicide charges in St. Louis County, MO, it’s a grave situation. Understanding the steps to take after being questioned, arrested, or indicted is essential. Our experienced St. Louis County, MO homicide legal team recommends the following actions:
- Hire an Attorney: Engaging a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO as soon as possible is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome. A good lawyer can analyze police reports, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a robust defense strategy. They can also seek ways to have charges reduced or dismissed and formulate an effective trial strategy. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
- Keep Quiet: When law enforcement informs you that “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” during the reading of your Miranda rights, heed their warning. Making statements during investigations could potentially change the outcome of your case and give prosecutors ample material to prove guilt. It’s essential to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO who can help you navigate this situation and articulate your side appropriately.
- Understand You are Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Sadly, in this day and age, simply being accused of a crime automatically makes you guilty in the minds of many people. This perception can significantly impact your mental well-being and lead you to consider actions you might not otherwise contemplate. Luckily for you, your Combs Waterkotte St. Louis County, MO homicide lawyer is aware of the challenges you’re facing and can help you find hope amid adversity.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Why You Should Hire a Combs Waterkotte Homicide Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO
If you’re facing homicide charges, the stakes are incredibly high in St. Louis County, MO. You can’t leave this to chance or to a lawyer found on a billboard or bus stop. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a lighter sentence or even freedom and spending years in prison. Here’s how the Combs Waterkotte homicide legal team helps in St. Louis County, MO:
- Thorough Case Analysis: Our homicide lawyers will launch a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing police reports, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and any other material. They may also engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Identify Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case: Our relentless homicide lawyers will examine every aspect of the case to find flaws in the prosecution’s evidence. Identifying these weaknesses could lead to a dismissal of charges, a reduction in charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
- Verify That Your Rights Were Respected: You have certain rights guaranteed by St. Louis County, MO and Missouri law, as well as by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. These rights are essential for ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. Unfortunately, our St. Louis County, MO criminal defense attorneys have witnessed many instances where clients’ rights were compromised. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future throughout the St. Louis County, MO area. Three of the most violated rights in St. Louis County, MO homicide arrests and interrogations are:
- Due Process Violations: When you are accused of homicide or any crime, you are entitled to due process, ensuring fair treatment in the legal system. This means you’re entitled to receive notice of the charges against you and the opportunity to respond. You also have the right to an unbiased judge or jury to evaluate your guilt or innocence. Prosecutors must provide all exculpatory evidence, and failing to do so constitutes a violation of your due process rights.
- Failure to Read the Miranda Warning: In the landmark case of Miranda v. Arizona, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must inform you of your rights before questioning. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, as well as a warning that anything you say can be used against you in court. Police only need to read your Miranda rights if they are detaining you and intend to use your statements in a court of law. Although you may waive these rights, it’s advisable to assert your right to remain silent and contact a Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
- Unlawful Searches and Seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must have reasonable doubt to stop or investigate you in St. Louis County, MO and elsewhere, and must possess probable cause for an arrest. This means they must provide factual evidence to support their belief that a crime has occurred or is in progress. If evidence is obtained through an illegal search, it may be excluded from court.
- Engage Expert Witnesses: Our team at Combs Waterkotte collaborates with a broad array of skilled professionals in and around St. Louis County, MO, including forensic scientists, ballistics specialists, and medical examiners. Our attorneys can enlist these experts to challenge key elements of the case, such as the cause of death.
- Negotiate Lesser Charges: A skilled and proactive St. Louis County, MO homicide attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties in exchange for a plea to a lesser offense, particularly if the evidence against you is overwhelming. The Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyers always act in your best interest. While they may provide guidance and expert legal advice, the final decision is yours.
If you’re accused of homicide in the St. Louis County, MO area and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing the ideal homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our entire staff provides expertise in the following areas for St. Louis County, MO residents:
Contact a Skilled St. Louis County, MO Homicide Lawyer Now at Combs Waterkotte
Given the severity of homicide charges, it’s crucial for anyone facing such allegations to consult a St. Louis County, MO homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of Missouri laws and is committed to doing everything possible to have your charges reduced or dropped. If you’re facing a homicide charge in or around St. Louis County, MO, take action now.
Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte homicide lawyer in St. Louis County, MO today to protect your rights, your future, and to secure the best possible defense. Call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review.
